November News from Somerville YIMBY

The national political situation is, of course, taking up a lot of time and energy for a lot of people, but it also underscores the importance of what we’re doing on the local level. As Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan points out, this moment illustrates just how important it is to build lots of new housing in our community. People elsewhere in the country, displaced by climate change, or hate, or economic upheavals, should be able to come here, and that’s not possible if we don’t welcome the creation of enough housing for all.

So let’s get to work.

Somernova Planning Updates

The city has kicked off a series of workshops and meetings about what they’re now calling the Central Somerville Avenue initiative — a plan for growth that includes the Somernova campus and nearby parcels. Unfortunately, it looks like housing is falling out of favor in this plan, and we encourage people to attend and speak up in favor of a more ambitious set of plans that includes ample housing. Meetings are ongoing online and in-person until at least December. Learn more at voice.somervillema.gov.

Upcoming Events

Strong Towns Conversation: A new local chapter of the Strong Towns movement is starting in Somerville. Join them for coffee and conversation about their approach to municipal growth and development. Tuesday 11/12 at 5:30 pm, in-person at Forge, 626 Somerville Ave.

Somerville YIMBY Monthly Meeting: We’re getting ready to kick off our 2025 plans, including finalizing a citywide zoning proposal and planning for the ever-closer 2025 city council elections. Wednesday 11/13 at 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.

181 Pearl Street Community Meeting: Councilor McLaughlin hosts a meeting to discuss redevelopment of the Mudville building at 181 Pearl Street. Weds 11/13 at 7:00 pm, online via Zoom.

14 White Street Community Meeting: Councilor Sait hosts a meeting to discuss a proposal for a three-family building near the Porter Square T stop. Tues 11/19 at 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.

231-239 Elm Street Project Meeting: Part three of an updated series of community meetings about the third proposal to redevelop the Elm Street parcels that include the former Sligo space, with new proponent Copper Mill. Weds 11/20 at 6:00 pm, in-person at Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave. Review notes from prior meetings here.

As always, find more events listed in our online calendar. We hope to see you around town!